As Reported by the House Children and Human Services Committee

136th General Assembly

Regular Session Sub. H. B. No. 472

2025-2026

Representatives Cockley, Salvo

Cosponsors: Representatives McNally, Lett, Piccolantonio, White, E., Brennan, Rader, Synenberg, Williams, Upchurch, White, A., Odioso, Robb Blasdel, Brownlee, Click, Ray

To amend sections 2101.16, 2303.20, 3109.14, 3705.24, 3705.242, 4507.01, 4507.50, 4507.51, and 4507.52 and to enact sections 9.011, 2101.166, 2303.202, 3705.243, and 3705.50 of the Revised Code to waive fees for an identification card or vital statistics record and permit the storage of documents for individuals experiencing homelessness.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Section 1. That sections 2101.16, 2303.20, 3109.14, 3705.24, 3705.242, 4507.01, 4507.50, 4507.51, and 4507.52 be amended and sections 9.011, 2101.166, 2303.202, 3705.243, and 3705.50 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 9.011. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Homeless shelter" has the same meaning as in section 2151.422 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Individual experiencing homelessness" has the same meaning as in section 3705.243 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Nonprofit agency providing case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness" does not include any governmental agency.

(B) A homeless shelter or nonprofit agency providing case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness may, with consent, retain for an individual experiencing homelessness receiving services from the shelter or agency a physical or digital copy of the individual's social security card, certification of birth, or certified copy of a birth record. A shelter or agency that chooses to store a physical or digital copy of an individual experiencing homelessness' social security card, certification of birth, or certified copy of a birth record shall do both of the following:

(1) Retain possession of the physical or digital copy of the social security card, certification of birth, or certified copy of a birth record;

(2) Establish a mechanism to protect the physical or digital copy of a social security card, certification of birth, or certified copy of a birth record, including by ensuring that there is a physical or virtual lock protecting access to the copy and that the copy is only accessible to appropriate staff.

(C) An individual experiencing homelessness whose document is stored pursuant to division (B) of this section shall be permitted to access the document in a timely manner upon request and may request that the document be destroyed, deleted, or returned. A homeless shelter or nonprofit agency providing case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness shall destroy, delete, or return the document upon such a request.

Sec. 2101.16. (A) Except as provided in section sections 2101.164 and 2101.166 of the Revised Code, the fees enumerated in this division shall be charged and collected, if possible, by the probate judge and shall be in full for all services rendered in the respective proceedings:

(B)(1) In relation to an application for the appointment of a guardian or the review of a report of a guardian under section 2111.49 of the Revised Code, the probate court, pursuant to court order or in accordance with a court rule, may direct that the applicant or the estate pay any or all of the expenses of an investigation conducted pursuant to section 2111.041 or division (A)(2) of section 2111.49 of the Revised Code. If the investigation is conducted by a public employee or investigator who is paid by the county, the fees for the investigation shall be paid into the county treasury. If the court finds that an alleged incompetent or a ward is indigent, the court may waive the costs, fees, and expenses of an investigation.

(2) In relation to the appointment or functioning of a guardian for a minor or the guardianship of a minor, the probate court may direct that the applicant or the estate pay any or all of the expenses of an investigation conducted pursuant to section 2111.042 of the Revised Code. If the investigation is conducted by a public employee or investigator who is paid by the county, the fees for the investigation shall be paid into the county treasury. If the court finds that the guardian or applicant is indigent, the court may waive the costs, fees, and expenses of an investigation.

(3) In relation to the filing of an affidavit of mental illness for a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the court may waive the fee under division (A)(75) of this section if the court finds that the affiant is indigent or for good cause shown.

(C) Thirty dollars of the thirty-five-dollar fee collected pursuant to division (A)(34) of this section and twenty dollars of the sixty-dollar fee collected pursuant to division (A)(59) of this section shall be deposited by the county treasurer in the indigent guardianship fund created pursuant to section 2111.51 of the Revised Code.

(D) The fees of witnesses, jurors, sheriffs, coroners, and constables for services rendered in the probate court or by order of the probate judge shall be the same as provided for similar services in the court of common pleas.

(E) The probate court, by rule, may require an advance deposit for costs, not to exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars, at the time application is made for an appointment as executor or administrator or at the time a will is presented for probate.

(F)(1) The "putative father registry fund" is hereby created in the state treasury. The department of children and youth shall use the money in the fund to fund the department's costs of performing its duties related to the putative father registry established under section 3107.062 of the Revised Code.

(2) If the department determines that money in the putative father registry fund is more than is needed for its duties related to the putative father registry, the department may use the surplus moneys in the fund as permitted in division (D) of section 2151.3527 or section 5103.155 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2101.166. (A) As used in this section, "individual experiencing homelessness" has the same meaning as in section 3705.243 of the Revised Code.

(B) The probate judge shall waive all fees for a certified abstract of marriage if the certified abstract is requested by an individual who has not received such a fee waiver in the preceding twelve months and who is experiencing homelessness as verified by at least one of the following:

(1) A director or a director's designee of a government or nonprofit agency that receives public or private funding to provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness;

(2) A school social worker, school counselor, or a local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youths designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii);

(3) A director or a director's designee of either a federal TRIO program or gaining early awareness and readiness for undergraduate program (GEAR UP);

(4) A financial aid administrator for an institution of higher education.

(C) Beginning one year after the effective date of this section, by the thirty-first day of January of each year any probate judge who waives fees pursuant to division (B) of this section shall submit an annual report to the director of health detailing the number of individuals for whom fees were waived in the preceding one-year period.

Sec. 2303.20. Under the circumstances described in sections 2969.21 to 2969.27 of the Revised Code, the clerk of the court of common pleas shall charge the fees and perform the other duties specified in those sections. In all other cases, the clerk shall charge the following fees and no more:

(A) Twenty-five dollars for each cause of action which shall include the following:

(1) Docketing in all dockets;

(2) Filing necessary documents, noting the filing of the documents, except subpoena, on the dockets;

(3) Issuing certificate of deposit in foreign writs;

(4) Indexing pending suits and living judgments;

(5) Noting on appearance docket all papers mailed;

(6) Certificate for attorney's fee;

(7) Certificate for stenographer's fee;

(8) Preparing cost bill;

(9) Entering on indictment any plea;

(10) Entering costs on docket and cash book.

(B) Two dollars for taking each undertaking, bond, or recognizance;

(C) Two dollars for issuing each writ, order, or notice, except subpoena;

(D) Two dollars for each name for issuing subpoena, swearing witness, entering attendance, and certifying fees;

(E) Twenty-five dollars for calling a jury in each cause;

(F) Two dollars for each page, for entering on journal, indexing, and posting on any docket;

(G) Three dollars for each execution or transcript of judgment, including indexing;

(H) One dollar for each page, for making complete record, including indexing;

(I) Five dollars for certifying a plat recorded in the county recorder's office;

(J) Five dollars for issuing certificate to receiver or order of reference with oath;

(K) Five dollars for entering satisfaction or partial satisfaction of each lien on record in the county recorder's office, and the clerk of courts' office;

(L) One dollar for each certificate of fact under seal of the court, to be paid by the party demanding it;

(M) One dollar for taking each affidavit, including certificate and seal;

(N) Two dollars for acknowledging all instruments in writing;

(O) Five dollars for making certificate of judgment;

(P) Ten dollars for filing, docketing, and endorsing a certificate of judgment, including the indexing and noting the return of the certificate;

(Q) Twenty-five dollars for each cause of action for each judgment by confession, including all docketing, indexing, and entries on the journal;

(R) Five dollars for recording commission of mayor;

(S) One dollar for issuing any license except the licenses issued pursuant to sections 1533.101, 1533.11, 1533.13, and 1533.32 of the Revised Code;

(T) Fifteen dollars for docketing and indexing each aid in execution or petition to vacate, revive, or modify judgment, including the filing and noting of all necessary documents;

(U) Twenty-five dollars for docketing and indexing each appeal, including the filing and noting of all necessary documents;

(V) A commission of two per cent on the first ten thousand dollars and one per cent on all exceeding ten thousand dollars for receiving and disbursing money, other than costs and fees, paid to or deposited with the clerk of courts in pursuance of an order of court or on judgments, including moneys invested by order of the court and interest earned on them;

(W) Five dollars for numbering, docketing, indexing, and filing each authenticated or certified copy of the record, or any portion of an authenticated or certified copy of the record, of an extra county action or proceeding;

(X) Two Except as provided in section 2303.202 of the Revised Code, two dollars for each certificate of divorce, annulment, or dissolution of marriage to the bureau of vital statistics;

(Y) Two dollars for each electronic transmission of a document, plus one dollar for each page of that document. These fees are to be paid by the party requesting the electronic transmission.

(Z) One Except as provided in section 2303.202 of the Revised Code, one dollar for each page, for copies of pleadings, process, record, or files, including certificate and seal.

Sec. 2303.202. (A) As used in this section, "individual experiencing homelessness" has the same meaning as in section 3705.243 of the Revised Code.

(B) The clerk of the court of common pleas shall waive all fees for a certified record of a name change or a certificate of divorce, annulment, or dissolution of marriage if the certified record or certificate is requested by an individual who has not received such a fee waiver in the preceding twelve months and who is experiencing homelessness as verified by at least one of the following:

(1) A director or a director's designee of a government or nonprofit agency that receives public or private funding to provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness;

(2) A school social worker, school counselor, or a local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youths designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii);

(3) A director or a director's designee of either a federal TRIO program or gaining early awareness and readiness for undergraduate program (GEAR UP);

(4) A financial aid administrator for an institution of higher education.

(C) Beginning one year after the effective date of this section, by the thirty-first day of January of each year any clerk of the court of common pleas who waives fees pursuant to division (B) of this section shall submit an annual report to the director of health detailing the number of individuals for whom fees were waived in the preceding one-year period, delineated by type of document.

Sec. 3109.14. (A) As used in this section, "birth record" and "certification of birth" have the meanings given in section 3705.01 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) The Except as provided in section 3705.243 of the Revised Code, the director of health, a person authorized by the director, a local commissioner of health, or a local registrar of vital statistics shall charge and collect a fee for each certified copy of a birth record, for each certification of birth, and for each copy of a death record. The fee shall be three dollars. The fee is in addition to the fee imposed by section 3705.24 or any other section of the Revised Code. A local commissioner of health or a local registrar of vital statistics may retain an amount of each additional fee collected, not to exceed three per cent of the amount of the additional fee, to be used for costs directly related to the collection of the fee and the forwarding of the fee to the department of health.

The additional fees collected by the director of health or a person authorized by the director and the additional fees collected but not retained by a local commissioner of health or a local registrar of vital statistics shall be forwarded to the department of health not later than thirty days following the end of each quarter. Not later than two days after the fees are forwarded to the department each quarter, the department shall deposit the collected fees in the state treasury to the credit of the children's trust fund. A person or government entity that fails to forward the fees in a timely manner, as determined by the department, shall send to the department, in addition to the fees, a penalty equal to ten per cent of the fees. The department also shall deposit any penalty received in the state treasury to the credit of the children's trust fund.

(2) Upon the filing for a divorce decree under section 3105.10 or a decree of dissolution under section 3105.65 of the Revised Code, a court of common pleas shall charge and collect a fee. The fee shall be eleven dollars. The fee is in addition to any other court costs or fees. The county clerk of courts may retain an amount of each additional fee collected, not to exceed three per cent of the amount of the additional fee, to be used for costs directly related to the collection of the fee and the forwarding of the fee to the treasurer of state. The additional fees collected, but not retained, under division (B)(2) of this section shall be forwarded to the treasurer of state not later than twenty days following the end of each month.

The treasurer of state shall deposit the fees received under division (B)(2) of this section in the state treasury to the credit of the children's trust fund. A county clerk of courts that fails to forward the fees in a timely manner, as determined by the treasurer of state, shall send to the treasurer of state, in addition to the fees, a penalty equal to ten per cent of the fees. The treasurer of state also shall deposit any penalty received in the state treasury to the credit of the children's trust fund.

(C) The children's trust fund is created in the state treasury. The treasurer of state shall invest the moneys in the fund, and all earnings resulting from investment of the fund shall be credited to the fund, except that actual administrative costs incurred by the treasurer of state in administering the fund may be deducted from the earnings resulting from investments. The amount that may be deducted shall not exceed three per cent of the total amount of fees credited to the fund in each fiscal year, except that the children's trust fund board may approve an amount for actual administrative costs exceeding three per cent but not exceeding four per cent of such amount. The balance of the investment earnings shall be credited to the fund. Moneys credited to the fund shall be used only for the purposes described in sections 3109.13 to 3109.179 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 3705.24. (A)(1) The director of health shall, in accordance with section 111.15 of the Revised Code, adopt rules prescribing fees for the following items or services provided by the state office of vital statistics:

(a) Except as provided in division (A)(4) of this section and section 3705.243 of the Revised Code:

(i) A certified copy of a vital record or a certification of birth;

(ii) A search by the office of vital statistics of its files and records pursuant to a request for information, regardless of whether a copy of a record is provided;

(iii) A copy of a record provided pursuant to a request.

(b) Replacement Except as provided in section 3705.243 of the Revised Code, replacement of a birth certificate following an adoption, legitimation, paternity determination or acknowledgement, or court order;

(c) Filing of a delayed registration of a vital record;

(d) Amendment of a vital record that is requested later than one year after the filing date of the vital record;

(e) Any other documents or services for which the director considers the charging of a fee appropriate.

(2) Fees prescribed under division (A)(1)(a) of this section shall not be less than twelve dollars.

(3) Fees prescribed under division (A)(1) of this section shall be collected in addition to any fees required by sections 3109.14 and 3705.242 of the Revised Code.

(4) Fees prescribed under division (A) of this section shall not apply to certifications issued under division (H) of this section or copies provided under section 3705.241 of the Revised Code.

(B) In addition to the fees prescribed under division (A) of this section or section 3709.09 of the Revised Code and except as provided in section 3705.243 of the Revised Code, the office of vital statistics, the board of health of a city or general health district, or a local registrar of vital statistics who is not a salaried employee of a city or general health district shall charge a five-dollar fee for each certified copy of a vital record and each certification of birth. This fee shall be deposited in the general operations fund created under section 3701.83 of the Revised Code and be used to support the operations, the modernization, and the automation of the vital records program in this state. A board of health or a local registrar shall forward all fees collected under this division to the department of health not later than thirty days after the end of each calendar quarter.

(C) Except as otherwise provided in division (H) of this section, and except as provided in section 3705.241 of the Revised Code, fees collected by the director of health under sections 3705.01 to 3705.29 of the Revised Code shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general operations fund created by section 3701.83 of the Revised Code. Except as provided in division (B) or (I) of this section, money generated by the fees shall be used only for administration and enforcement of this chapter and the rules adopted under it. Amounts submitted to the department of health for copies of vital records or services in excess of the fees imposed by this section shall be dealt with as follows:

(1) An overpayment of two dollars or less shall be retained by the department and deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the general operations fund created by section 3701.83 of the Revised Code.

(2) An overpayment in excess of two dollars shall be returned to the person who made the overpayment.

(D) If a local registrar is a salaried employee of a city or a general health district, any fees the local registrar receives pursuant to section 3705.23 of the Revised Code shall be paid into the general fund of the city or the health fund of the general health district.

Each local registrar of vital statistics, or each health district where the local registrar is a salaried employee of the district, shall be entitled to a fee for each birth, fetal death, death, or military service certificate properly and completely made out and registered with the local registrar or district and correctly copied and forwarded to the office of vital statistics in accordance with the population of the primary registration district at the last federal census. The fee for each birth, fetal death, death, or military service certificate shall be:

(1) In primary registration districts of over two hundred fifty thousand, twenty cents;

(2) In primary registration districts of over one hundred twenty-five thousand and less than two hundred fifty thousand, sixty cents;

(3) In primary registration districts of over fifty thousand and less than one hundred twenty-five thousand, eighty cents;

(4) In primary registration districts of less than fifty thousand, one dollar.

(E) The director of health shall annually certify to the county treasurers of the several counties the number of birth, fetal death, death, and military service certificates registered from their respective counties with the names of the local registrars and the amounts due each registrar and health district at the rates fixed in this section. Such amounts shall be paid by the treasurer of the county in which the registration districts are located. No fees shall be charged or collected by registrars except as provided by this chapter and section 3109.14 of the Revised Code.

(F) A probate judge shall be paid a fee of fifteen cents for each certified abstract of marriage prepared and forwarded by the probate judge to the department of health pursuant to section 3705.21 of the Revised Code. The fee shall be in addition to the fee paid for a marriage license and shall be paid by the applicants for the license.

(G) The clerk of a court of common pleas shall be paid a fee of one dollar for each certificate of divorce, dissolution, and annulment of marriage prepared and forwarded by the clerk to the department pursuant to section 3705.21 of the Revised Code. The fee for the certified abstract of divorce, dissolution, or annulment of marriage shall be added to the court costs allowed in these cases.

(H) The fee for an heirloom certification of birth issued pursuant to division (B)(2) of section 3705.23 of the Revised Code shall be an amount prescribed by rule by the director of health plus any fee required by section 3109.14 of the Revised Code. In setting the amount of the fee, the director shall establish a surcharge in addition to an amount necessary to offset the expense of processing heirloom certifications of birth. The fee prescribed by the director of health pursuant to this division shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the heirloom certification of birth fund which is hereby created. Money credited to the fund shall be used by the office of vital statistics to offset the expense of processing heirloom certifications of birth. However, the money collected for the surcharge, subject to the approval of the controlling board, shall be used for the purposes specified by the family and children first council pursuant to section 121.37 of the Revised Code.

(I)(1) Four dollars of each fee collected by the board of health of a city or general health district for a certified copy of a vital record or a certification of birth shall be transferred to the office of vital statistics not later than thirty days after the end of each calendar quarter. The amount collected shall be used to support public health systems. Of each four dollars collected, one dollar shall be used by the director of health to pay subsidies to boards of health. The subsidies shall be distributed in accordance with the same formula established under section 3701.342 of the Revised Code for the distribution of state health district subsidy funds to boards of health and local health departments.

(2) Four dollars of each fee collected by a local registrar of vital statistics who is not a salaried employee of a city or general health district, for a certified copy of a vital record or certification of birth, shall be transferred to the office of vital statistics not later than thirty days after the end of each calendar quarter. The amount collected shall be used to support public health systems.

Sec. 3705.242. (A)(1) The Except as provided in section 3705.243 of the Revised Code, the director of health, a person authorized by the director, a local commissioner of health, or a local registrar of vital statistics shall charge and collect a fee of one dollar and fifty cents for each certified copy of a birth record, each certification of birth, and each copy of a death record. The fee is in addition to the fee imposed by section 3705.24 or any other section of the Revised Code. A local commissioner of health or local registrar of vital statistics may retain an amount of each additional fee collected, not to exceed three per cent of the amount of the additional fee, to be used for costs directly related to the collection of the fee and the forwarding of the fee to the department of health.

The additional fees collected by the director of health or a person authorized by the director and the additional fees collected but not retained by a local commissioner of health or a local registrar of vital statistics shall be forwarded to the department of health not later than thirty days following the end of each quarter. Not later than two days after the fees are forwarded to the department each quarter, the department shall pay the collected fees to the treasurer of state in accordance with rules adopted by the treasurer of state under section 113.08 of the Revised Code.

(2) On the filing of a divorce decree under section 3105.10 or a decree of dissolution under section 3105.65 of the Revised Code, a court of common pleas shall charge and collect a fee of five dollars and fifty cents. The fee is in addition to any other court costs or fees. The county clerk of courts may retain an amount of each additional fee collected, not to exceed three per cent of the amount of the additional fee, to be used for costs directly related to the collection of the fee and the forwarding of the fee to the treasurer of state. The additional fees collected, but not retained, under division (A)(2) of this section shall be forwarded to the treasurer of state not later than twenty days following the end of each month.

(B) The treasurer of state shall deposit the fees paid or forwarded under this section in the state treasury to the credit of the family violence prevention fund, which is hereby created. A person or government entity that fails to pay or forward the fees in the manner described in this section, shall send to the department of public safety a penalty equal to ten per cent of the fees. The department of public safety shall forward all collected late fees to the treasurer of state for deposit into the family violence prevention fund in accordance with rules adopted by the treasurer of state under section 113.08 of the Revised Code.

The treasurer of state shall invest the moneys in the fund. All earnings resulting from investment of the fund shall be credited to the fund, except that actual administration costs incurred by the treasurer of state in administering the fund may be deducted from the earnings resulting from investments. The amount that may be deducted shall not exceed three per cent of the total amount of fees credited to the fund in each fiscal year. The balance of the investment earnings shall be credited to the fund.

(C) The director of public safety shall use money credited to the fund to provide grants to family violence shelters in Ohio and to operate the division of criminal justice services.

Sec. 3705.243. (A) As used in this section, "individual experiencing homelessness" means an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or who has as a primary nighttime residence a temporary shelter or a place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. "Individual experiencing homelessness" includes:

(1) Individuals who do not have access to, or who are in imminent danger of losing access to, normal accommodations as a result of violence or a threat of violence from a cohabitant;

(2) Individuals who have been released from jail, prison, the juvenile justice system, the child welfare system, a mental health or developmental disability facility, a residential addiction treatment program, or a hospital, for whom no residence is identified and who lacks the resources necessary to obtain housing.

(B) The director of health, a person authorized by the director, a local commissioner of health, or a local registrar of vital statistics shall waive all fees for a certification of birth, a certified copy of a birth record, or replacement of a birth record pursuant to division (A)(1)(b) of section 3705.24 of the Revised Code if the certification, certified copy, or replacement is requested by an individual who has not received such a fee waiver in the preceding twelve months and who is experiencing homelessness as verified by at least one of the following:

(1) A director or a director's designee of a government or nonprofit agency that receives public or private funding to provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness;

(2) A school social worker, school counselor, or a local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youths designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii);

(3) A director or a director's designee of either a federal TRIO program or gaining early awareness and readiness for undergraduate program (GEAR UP);

(4) A financial aid administrator for an institution of higher education.

(C) Beginning one year after the effective date of this section, by the thirty-first day of January of each year any local commissioner of health or local registrar of vital statistics who waives fees pursuant to division (B) of this section shall submit an annual report to the director of health detailing the number of individuals for whom fees were waived in the preceding one-year period, delineated by type of document.

Sec. 3705.50. (A) The director of health shall collect information regarding the number of individuals experiencing homelessness for whom fees for a certification of birth, a certified copy of a birth record, or a replacement birth record were waived by the director of health or a person authorized by the director pursuant to section 3705.243 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director of health shall maintain the information submitted pursuant to sections 2101.166, 2303.202, 3705.243, and 4507.50 of the Revised Code, compile it with the information collected under division (A) of this section, and submit an annual report to the general assembly in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code. The report shall detail the number of individuals experiencing homelessness for whom fees were waived in the preceding one-year period, delineated by type of document. The director shall make the report publicly available on the department of health's web site.

Sec. 4507.01. (A) As used in this chapter, "motor vehicle," "motorized bicycle," "state," "owner," "operator," "chauffeur," and "highways" have the same meanings as in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code.

"Driver's license" means a class D license issued to any person to operate a motor vehicle or motor-driven cycle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, and includes "probationary license," "restricted license," "limited term license," and any operator's or chauffeur's license issued before January 1, 1990.

"Probationary license" means the license issued to any person between sixteen and eighteen years of age to operate a motor vehicle.

"Restricted license" means the license issued to any person to operate a motor vehicle subject to conditions or restrictions imposed by the registrar of motor vehicles.

"Commercial driver's license" means the license issued to a person under Chapter 4506. of the Revised Code to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

"Commercial motor vehicle" has the same meaning as in section 4506.01 of the Revised Code.

"Motorcycle operator's temporary instruction permit, license, or endorsement" includes a temporary instruction permit, license, or endorsement for a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter unless otherwise specified.

"Motorized bicycle license" means the license issued under section 4511.521 of the Revised Code to any person to operate a motorized bicycle including a "probationary motorized bicycle license."

"Probationary motorized bicycle license" means the license issued under section 4511.521 of the Revised Code to any person between fourteen and sixteen years of age to operate a motorized bicycle.

"Identification card" means a card issued under sections 4507.50 to 4507.52 of the Revised Code.

"Individual experiencing homelessness" has the same meaning as in section 3705.243 of the Revised Code.

"Resident" means a person who, in accordance with standards prescribed in rules adopted by the registrar, resides in this state on a permanent basis.

"Temporary resident" means a person who, in accordance with standards prescribed in rules adopted by the registrar, resides in this state on a temporary basis.

(B) In the administration of this chapter and Chapter 4506. of the Revised Code, the registrar has the same authority as is conferred on the registrar by section 4501.02 of the Revised Code. Any act of an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles under direction of the registrar is deemed the act of the registrar.

To carry out this chapter, the registrar shall appoint such deputy registrars in each county as are necessary.

The registrar also shall provide at each place where an application for a driver's or commercial driver's license or identification card may be made the necessary equipment to take a photograph of the applicant for such license or card as required under section 4506.11 or 4507.06 of the Revised Code, and to conduct the vision screenings required by section 4507.12 of the Revised Code.

The registrar shall assign one or more deputy registrars to any driver's license examining station operated under the supervision of the director of public safety, whenever the registrar considers such assignment possible. Space shall be provided in the driver's license examining station for any such deputy registrar so assigned. The deputy registrars shall not exercise the powers conferred by such sections upon the registrar, unless they are specifically authorized to exercise such powers by such sections.

(C) No agent for any insurance company, writing automobile insurance, shall be appointed deputy registrar, and any such appointment is void. No deputy registrar shall in any manner solicit any form of automobile insurance, nor in any manner advise, suggest, or influence any licensee or applicant for license for or against any kind or type of automobile insurance, insurance company, or agent, nor have the deputy registrar's office directly connected with the office of any automobile insurance agent, nor impart any information furnished by any applicant for a license or identification card to any person, except the registrar. This division shall not apply to any nonprofit corporation appointed deputy registrar.

(D) The registrar shall immediately remove a deputy registrar who violates the requirements of this chapter.

Sec. 4507.50. (A)(1)(A) As used in this section, "permanently or irreversibly disabled" means a condition of disability from which there is no present indication of recovery.

(B)(1) The registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar shall issue an identification card to a person when all of the following apply:

(a) The registrar or deputy registrar receives an application completed in accordance with section 4507.51 of the Revised Code and, if the person is under seventeen years of age, payment of the applicable fees.

(b) The person is a resident or a temporary resident of this state.

(c) The person is not licensed as an operator of a motor vehicle in this state or another licensing jurisdiction.

(d) The person does not hold an identification card from another jurisdiction.

(2)(a) The registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar may issue a temporary identification card when all of the following apply:

(i) The registrar or deputy registrar receives an application completed in accordance with section 4507.51 of the Revised Code and payment of the applicable fees.

(ii) The person is a resident or temporary resident of this state.

(iii) The person's Ohio driver's or commercial driver's license has been suspended or canceled.

(iv) The person does not hold an identification card from another jurisdiction.

(b) The temporary identification card shall be identical to an identification card, except that it shall be printed on its face with a statement that the card is valid for a temporary period. The temporary period shall be in accordance with the expiration dates specified in section 4507.501 of the Revised Code.

(c) The cardholder shall surrender the temporary identification card to the registrar or any deputy registrar before the cardholder's driver's or commercial driver's license is restored or reissued.

(B)(1)(C)(1) Except as provided in division (D)(E) of this section, an applicant who is under seventeen years of age shall pay the following fees prior to issuance of an identification card or a temporary identification card:

(a) A fee of three dollars and fifty cents if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance or a fee of six dollars if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance;

(b) A fee equal to the amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance or twice that amount if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance;

(c) A fee of one dollar and fifty cents if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday four years after the date of issuance or three dollars if the card will expire on the applicant's birthday eight years after the date of issuance, for the authentication of the documents required for processing an identification card or temporary identification card. A deputy registrar that authenticates the required documents shall retain the entire amount of the fee.

(2) The fees collected for issuing an identification card under this section, except for any fees allowed to the deputy registrar, shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the public safety - highway purposes fund created in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code.

(C)(D) A person seventeen years of age or older may apply to the registrar or a deputy registrar for the issuance to that person of an identification card or a temporary identification card under this section without payment of any fee prescribed in division (B)(C) of this section.

(D)(E) A resident person who is permanently or irreversibly disabled and who is under seventeen years of age and meets any of the following conditions may apply to the registrar or a deputy registrar for the issuance of an identification card under this section without payment of any fee as prescribed in division (B)(C) of this section. A resident who is in :

(1) The person is a resident and permanently or irreversibly disabled.

(2) The person is a resident and in the custody of the department of rehabilitation and correction or the department of youth services and who is under seventeen years of age may apply to the registrar for the issuance of an identification card under this section without payment of any fee as prescribed in division (B) of this section.

(3) The person is an individual experiencing homelessness who has not received such a fee waiver in the preceding twelve months.

As used in this section, "permanently or irreversibly disabled" means a condition of disability from which there is no present indication of recovery.

(F)(1) An application made under division (D)divisions (E)(1) and (2) of this section shall be accompanied by such documentary evidence as the registrar may require by rule.

(2) An application made under division (E)(3) of this section shall be accompanied by verification from any of the following:

(a) A director or a director's designee of a government or nonprofit agency that receives public or private funding to provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness;

(b) A school social worker, school counselor, or a local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youths designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii);

(c) A director or a director's designee of either a federal TRIO program or gaining early awareness and readiness for undergraduate program (GEAR UP).

(d) A financial aid administrator for an institution of higher education.

(E)(1)(G)(1) The department of rehabilitation and correction shall submit an application for an identification card or temporary identification card, as applicable, to the registrar on behalf of an individual who is a prisoner at a state correctional institution and who has completed that application in accordance with section 5120.59 of the Revised Code.

(2) The department of youth services shall submit an application for an identification card or a temporary identification card, as applicable, to the registrar on behalf of an individual who is in the custody of the department at a juvenile correctional facility and who has completed that application in accordance with section 5139.511 of the Revised Code.

(3) The registrar may establish a separate application and process by which the departments shall submit any applications to the registrar in accordance with this division and section 4507.51 of the Revised Code.

(H) Beginning one year after the effective date of this section, by the thirty-first day of January of each year any registrar or deputy registrar who waives fees pursuant to division (E)(3) of this section shall submit an annual report to the director of health detailing the number of individuals for whom fees were waived in the preceding one-year period.

Sec. 4507.51. (A)(1) Every application for an identification card or duplicate shall be made on an approved form furnished by the registrar of motor vehicles and shall be signed by the applicant. The If the applicant is under eighteen years of age, the application also shall be signed by the one of the following, as applicable:

(a) The applicant's parent or guardian, or by the ;

(b) The department of rehabilitation and correction or the department of youth services, as applicable, if the applicant is under eighteen years of age;

(c) Any individual permitted to verify that an individual is experiencing homelessness under section 3705.243 of the Revised Code.

(2) Every application shall contain the following information:

(a) The applicant's name, date of birth, sex, general description including the applicant's height, weight, hair color, and eye color, address, country of citizenship, and social security number.

(b) If an applicant has not already certified the applicant's willingness to make an anatomical gift under section 2108.05 of the Revised Code, whether the applicant wishes to certify willingness to make such an anatomical gift and information about the requirements of sections 2108.01 to 2108.29 of the Revised Code that apply to persons who are less than eighteen years of age. The statement regarding willingness to make such a donation shall be given no consideration in the decision of whether to issue an identification card.

(c) Whether the applicant has executed a valid durable power of attorney for health care pursuant to sections 1337.11 to 1337.17 of the Revised Code or has executed a declaration governing the use or continuation, or the withholding or withdrawal, of life-sustaining treatment pursuant to sections 2133.01 to 2133.15 of the Revised Code and, if the applicant has executed either type of instrument, whether the applicant wishes the identification card issued to indicate that the applicant has executed the instrument.

(d) Whether the applicant is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States and, if the applicant is such, whether the applicant wishes the identification card issued to indicate that the applicant is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States by a military designation on the identification card.

(2)(3) Each applicant applying in person at a deputy registrar office shall be photographed at the time of making an application.

(3)(4) The registrar or deputy registrar, in accordance with section 3503.11 of the Revised Code, shall register as an elector any person who applies for an identification card or duplicate if the applicant is eligible and wishes to be registered as an elector. The decision of an applicant whether to register as an elector shall be given no consideration in the decision of whether to issue the applicant an identification card or duplicate.

(4)(5) The application shall be accompanied by any necessary documents, as required by the registrar. The registrar or the deputy registrar may authenticate the submitted documents and verify the information in the application.

(B)(1) Except as provided in division (B)(2) of this section or section 4507.061 of the Revised Code, the application for an identification card or duplicate shall be filed in the office of the registrar or deputy registrar. Each applicant shall present documentary evidence as required by the registrar of the applicant's age and identity, and the applicant shall swear that all information given is true.

All applications for an identification card or duplicate under this section shall be filed in duplicate, and if submitted to a deputy registrar, a copy shall be forwarded to the registrar. The registrar shall prescribe rules for the manner in which a deputy registrar is to file and maintain applications and other records. The registrar shall maintain a suitable, indexed record of all applications denied and cards issued or canceled.

(2) The application for an identification card filed by either the department of rehabilitation and correction or the department of youth services on behalf of an individual in prison or in the department's custody shall be submitted through the process established by the registrar. The registrar shall establish the process for submission of such applications and the process for mailing the identification card to either the individual or the applicable department.

(C) In addition to any other information it contains, the form furnished by the registrar of motor vehicles for an application for an identification card or duplicate shall inform applicants that the applicant must present a copy of the applicant's DD-214 or an equivalent document in order to qualify to have the card or duplicate indicate that the applicant is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces of the United States based on a request made pursuant to division (A)(2)(b) of this section.

Sec. 4507.52. (A)(1) Each identification card issued by the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar shall display a distinguishing number assigned to the cardholder, and shall display the following inscription:

"STATE OF OHIO IDENTIFICATION CARD

This card is not valid for the purpose of operating a motor vehicle. It is provided solely for the purpose of establishing the identity of the bearer described on the card."

(2) The identification card shall display substantially the same information as contained in the application and as described in division (A)(1)(A)(2) of section 4507.51 of the Revised Code, including, if the cardholder is a noncitizen of the United States, a notation designating that the cardholder is a noncitizen. The identification card shall not display the cardholder's social security number unless the cardholder specifically requests that the cardholder's social security number be displayed on the card. If federal law requires the cardholder's social security number to be displayed on the identification card, the social security number shall be displayed on the card notwithstanding this section.

(3) The identification card also shall display the photograph of the cardholder.

(4) If the cardholder has executed a durable power of attorney for health care or a declaration governing the use or continuation, or the withholding or withdrawal, of life-sustaining treatment and has specified that the cardholder wishes the identification card to indicate that the cardholder has executed either type of instrument, the card also shall display any symbol chosen by the registrar to indicate that the cardholder has executed either type of instrument.

(5) If the cardholder has specified that the cardholder wishes the identification card to indicate that the cardholder is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States and has presented a copy of the cardholder's DD-214 form or an equivalent document, the card also shall display any symbol chosen by the registrar to indicate that the cardholder is a veteran, active duty, or reservist of the armed forces of the United States.

(6) The card shall be designed as to prevent its reproduction or alteration without ready detection.

(7) The identification card for persons under twenty-one years of age shall have characteristics prescribed by the registrar distinguishing it from that issued to a person who is twenty-one years of age or older, except that an identification card issued to a person who applies no more than thirty days before the applicant's twenty-first birthday shall have the characteristics of an identification card issued to a person who is twenty-one years of age or older.

(8) Every identification card issued to a resident of this state shall display the expiration date of the card, in accordance with section 4507.501 of the Revised Code.

(9) Every identification card issued to a temporary resident shall expire in accordance with section 4507.501 of the Revised Code and rules adopted by the registrar and is limited term. Every limited term identification card and limited term temporary identification card shall contain the words "limited term" and shall have any additional characteristics prescribed by the registrar distinguishing it from an identification card issued to a resident.

(B)(1) If a card is lost, destroyed, or mutilated, the person to whom the card was issued may obtain a duplicate by doing both of the following:

(a) Furnishing suitable proof of the loss, destruction, or mutilation to the registrar or a deputy registrar;

(b) Filing an application and presenting documentary evidence under section 4507.51 of the Revised Code.

(2) A cardholder may apply to obtain a reprint of the cardholder's identification card through electronic means in accordance with section 4507.40 of the Revised Code.

(3) A cardholder may obtain a replacement identification card that reflects any change of the cardholder's name by furnishing suitable proof of the change to the registrar or a deputy registrar.

(4) Except as provided in division (B)(5) or (6) of this section, when a cardholder applies for a duplicate, reprint, or replacement identification card, the cardholder shall pay the following fees:

(a) Two dollars and fifty cents;

(b) A deputy registrar or service fee equal to the amount established under section 4503.038 of the Revised Code.

(5) The following cardholders may apply for a duplicate, reprint, or replacement identification card without payment of any fee prescribed in division (B)(4) of this section:

(a) A disabled veteran who has a service-connected disability rated at one hundred per cent by the veterans' administration;

(b) A resident who is permanently or irreversibly disabled;

(c) A resident who is in the custody of the department of rehabilitation and correction or the department of youth services;

(d) An individual who is experiencing homelessness.

(6) A cardholder who is seventeen years of age or older may apply for a replacement identification card without payment of any fee prescribed in division (B)(4) of this section.

(7) A duplicate, reprint, or replacement identification card expires on the same date as the card it replaces.

(C) The registrar shall cancel any card upon determining that the card was obtained unlawfully, issued in error, or was altered.

(D)(1) No agent of the state or its political subdivisions shall condition the granting of any benefit, service, right, or privilege upon the possession by any person of an identification card. Nothing in this section shall preclude any publicly operated or franchised transit system from using an identification card for the purpose of granting benefits or services of the system.

(2) No person shall be required to apply for, carry, or possess an identification card.

(E) Except in regard to an identification card issued to a person who applies no more than thirty days before the applicant's twenty-first birthday, neither the registrar nor any deputy registrar shall issue an identification card to a person under twenty-one years of age that does not have the characteristics prescribed by the registrar distinguishing it from the identification card issued to persons who are twenty-one years of age or older.

(F) The registrar shall ensure that identification cards issued in accordance with the federal "Real ID Act," 49 U.S.C. 30301, et seq., comply with the regulations specified in 6 C.F.R. part 37.

(G) Whoever violates division (E) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Section 2. That existing sections 2101.16, 2303.20, 3109.14, 3705.24, 3705.242, 4507.01, 4507.50, 4507.51, and 4507.52 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.